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Our Analysis and Test Results

The Gregory Maya 22 is made of ripstop nylon with a double layer bottom. It is available in one size only with a 17-inch torso and weighs 27 ounces.

Performance Comparison

Hiking on a cold and rainy day in the Maya. This pack can hold a lot of gear, so if you need to stow a rain jacket and a puffy layer it can accommodate it.

Comfort

While this pack is not particularly uncomfortable in any way, it isn't a standout for comfort either. There's no padding on the hip belt (mesh only), and only a thin layer on the shoulder straps. There is a good amount of padding on the back, with a mesh covering and cutouts to increase ventilation, but it isn't nearly as breathable as the completely open suspended mesh backs of Osprey Sirrus 24 or the Deuter Futura 22. Also, there is no framing or structure, so if you have a full load in there or a reservoir in the hydration sleeve, it ends up bowing the back of the pack inward against you, which is not all that comfortable. If you plan on packing a lot on your day trips, check out the Jade 28, also from Gregory. It has a frame suspension and an open mesh back and is more comfortable with a heavy load than the Maya.

When we had this pack loaded down, including a water bladder, the pack pushed into our backs and wasn't very comfortable.

Features

There are a few great features on this pack, most notably the outer pocket which is expandable and large enough to hold a bike or climbing helmet. There's the requisite ice axe loop, a single compression strap on each side, and a top pocket for storing quick access items. With only a single compression strap it is hard to attach trekking poles securely, and the hip belt pockets are on the small side, and we couldn't fit our smartphone in them.

Weight

This pack is on the lighter end at only 27 ounces. While it's about a half pound lighter than our Editors' Choice winner, the CamelBak Sequoia 22, it doesn't have quite as many features nor is it as comfortable.

Adjustability

The Maya 22 isn't offered in multiple sizes or torso lengths. The load-lifting straps on the shoulder straps are somewhat effective, as the back of the pack extends up beyond the shoulder straps, unlike some other packs in this review. But, like many of the packs that we tested, the hip belt is on the small side, and if you wear larger than a size 2 or 4, you might not get great coverage. The hip belt on the Gregory Jade 28 is much longer and provides more coverage and support.

The hipbelt is on the short side, and barely provides coverage on this petite model. The main strap is only 1 inch webbing, which isn't all that comfortable to have digging into your stomach.

Durability

The ripstop nylon used on this pack is thinner than some other models in this review, and while that makes it weigh less, a 200D pack will likely last a little longer than a 100D one. Gregory did double up the material on the bottom, which we appreciated, but other packs, like the CamelBak Sequoia 22, have a 400D panel there instead which will be much less prone to holes and tears.

This pack is made of lightweight nylon, but the bottom of the pack does have a double layer of it for slightly more durability.

Best Applications

This pack has a large internal volume, so if you tend to day hike with a lot of bulky layers, this pack is a good choice, but we wouldn't load it down with too much weight either.

Going on a short hike with a lot of gear, like a bathing suit and towel, for taking a dip in the lake. This pack can hold a lot, but was only comfortable on short hikes.

Value

This pack retails for $116, which is a bit less than the models with more framing and padding. But it scored about the same in our tests as our Best Buy winner, the REI Co-op Trail 25, which costs only $80.

Conclusion

While there is nothing wrong with the Gregory Maya 22, there is nothing inspiring about it either. It's a decent pack with a few good features but felt a little like plain vanilla ice cream compared to the new and inventive daypacks available these days.